*Official* Third Test at the WACA

[Ruckus]

Copeland's record is pretty amazing in first class. What is wrong with him though? There must be something wrong with him if he hasn't been in the eye sight of the selectors.

There's nothing wrong with him, he is awesome. Currently has 1/22 against SA, with an economy of just 1.83 after 11 overs. And as a comparison Stuart Clark, who is considered our most economical and consistent bowler, has an 1/20 at an economy of 3.33. Copeland had an economy of 1.72 after 18.0 overs in the first innings as well. He is exactly what the team needs right now - someone who can maintain the right line and lengths and build pressure without giving away runs.

 

[Ruckus]

Bit worried about Cameron though, where's he been all these years?

Injuries apparently.

 

[outbreak]

Ive been saying for awhile now that he should get a look in, i've also been wondering (think i asked a couple times here too) why noone seems to be mentioning him (before the ashes) as someone to bring into the squad and give a go to. He seems to bowl pretty well from what iv'e seen and his figures are awesome, surely he'll get a chance in the new year?
Im talking about copeland not cameron.

 

[vcs]

CA should have scheduled England's warmup games against NSW so that Copeland and Cameron could have had a chance to showcase their ability against England and strengthen their case for selection, plus it might have dented their confidence a bit as well.

EDIT : "their" = English batsmen, in case it wasn't clear.

 

[social]

Johnson Ordered To Rest

The inner sanctum is at it again. Don't play cricket and get your form back. God no. Take a rest, and have no centre wicket practice between getting dropped after Brisbane and being recalled for Perth.

Why do they listen to these geniuses for and their stupid theories? The same group of guys who have presided over us falling from 1st to 5th.

Unless he has a niggle, I would've thought that the one thing Johnson needs to do is bowl

 

[social]

I have a feeling that Smith is going to be selected

The selectors can point to wickets that he is taking against the might of SA and it would avoid the embarassment of a backflip on Hauritz

Tbh, I dont have a problem with Smith as they have to start blooding youngsters at some time but it would, in all likelihood, lead to the retention of North due to his bowling

 

[Ruckus]

Copeland has 7 maidens now from his 14 overs, that's pretty impressive stuff.

 

[Ruckus]

I have a feeling that Smith is going to be selected

The selectors can point to wickets that he is taking against the might of SA and it would avoid the embarassment of a backflip on Hauritz

Tbh, I dont have a problem with Smith as they have to start blooding youngsters at some time but it would, in all likelihood, lead to the retention of North due to his bowling

Smith going very well again. Just picked up another one 2/18.

 

[Oscillatingmind]

Smith going very well again. Just picked up another one 2/18.

Not going to help Hauritz that he's being out bowled (statistically I'm not watching the game) Smith needs to come in, bat 7 after Haddin, replace North, the end, END IT. END THE NORTH REIGN.


KAFAANAPAA

 

[centurymaker]

OMG Hauritz scored 140 odd

 

[morgieb]

Of course, but really you'd have to pick NSW + Ponting + Hussey at the moment.

Ponting lives in Sydney though

 

[M0rphin3]

Hauritz scoring runs and Smith taking wickets. ITSTL.

 

[Jayzamann]

Tbh, I dont have a problem with Smith as they have to start blooding youngsters at some time but it would, in all likelihood, lead to the retention of North due to his bowling

"Some time" would preferably be before -not during- an Ashes campain, tbh.

 

[Prince EWS]

I think Smith's bowling is pretty over-rated at this point but of all the crap spinners with 40+ bowling averages we have, he's by far the best batsman. If we're going to pick a mandatory spinner who gets carted, he might as well have big run-scoring potential. Probably a crap way to look at things really and as a specialist spinner myself I'd be insulted if a batting allrounder I was a better bowler than was picked ahead of me in a team to bat eight and bowl spin, but I wouldn't be outraged if Smith was picked.

 

[Johnners]

Assuming Dougeh was match fit. Would like to see 4 changes to the team. Johnson/Hauritz/Hughes (obvs) /Khawaja in, and Siddle/Doherty/Katich (obvs)/North out but I can't see it happening though.

Won't be outraged if Smith as Doherty's replacement, but I wouldn't do it.

 

[Jayzamann]

He's too old to be picked on potential and the rest of the team too **** to carry him until he suddenly clicks for one innings and rips through teams.

So much harsh truth right here.

 

[M0rphin3]

I think Smith's bowling is pretty over-rated at this point but of all the crap spinners with 40+ bowling averages we have, he's by far the best batsman. If we're going to pick a mandatory spinner who gets carted, he might as well have big run-scoring potential. Probably a crap way to look at things really and as a specialist spinner myself I'd be insulted if a batting allrounder I was a better bowler than was picked ahead of me in a team to bat eight and bowl spin, but I wouldn't be outraged if Smith was picked.

Awta, but who rates his bowling? His bowling's better than a part timer though, IMO

 

[Prince EWS]

Awta, but who rates his bowling?

I'm not talking about on forums - CricketWeb members don't seem to rate his bowling. He's over-rated by the media, Stuart Clark, my father, the selectors etc.

 

[M0rphin3]

I'm not talking about on forums - CricketWeb members don't seem to rate his bowling. He's over-rated by the media, Stuart Clark, my father, the selectors etc.

In that case, agree.

 

[social]

I think Smith's bowling is pretty over-rated at this point but of all the crap spinners with 40+ bowling averages we have, he's by far the best batsman. If we're going to pick a mandatory spinner who gets carted, he might as well have big run-scoring potential. Probably a crap way to look at things really and as a specialist spinner myself I'd be insulted if a batting allrounder I was a better bowler than was picked ahead of me in a team to bat eight and bowl spin, but I wouldn't be outraged if Smith was picked.

Does anyone actually rate his bowling?

It's all about potential rather than actual quality atm

As I said earlier, I wouldnt necessarily object to him being selected but if it means North is retained simply because he can bowl a few overs should Smith **** up, then you're really robbing Peter to pay Paul and that's never a good thing